The increasing complexity of modern vehicles demands a new approach to collision repair. Automotive body shop scan tools have become indispensable for ensuring a complete and safe repair. These tools allow technicians to diagnose and address issues that might otherwise be missed, ultimately contributing to customer safety and satisfaction.
The Rise of Diagnostic Scanning in Collision Repair
In 2016, several major OEMs issued position statements emphasizing the importance of pre- and post-repair diagnostic scanning. This highlighted the critical role of scanning in properly repairing collision-damaged vehicles. John Mosley, owner of Clinton Body Shop in Mississippi, invested significantly in scan tools following these statements. He recognized that adhering to OEM repair recommendations necessitates the use of these diagnostic tools. “Knowing that almost every manufacturer is recommending scans now, I don’t see how a shop can think that they’ve repaired the car properly if they haven’t scanned it,” Mosley stated.
Choosing the Right Automotive Body Shop Scan Tool
Selecting the appropriate scan tool is crucial for any body shop. Each tool manufacturer offers different functionalities and reporting formats tailored to various automotive service needs. Some cater to general service shops, while others focus on advanced mechanical or collision repair facilities. Researching and comparing available options is essential before investing. Consulting with other shop owners or requesting loaner tools from distributors can aid in the decision-making process. Ideally, shops should acquire multiple scan tools to ensure easy access for all technicians.
Beyond the OBD II Port: The Expanding Role of Scanning
While OBD II scanning has been a staple in mechanical repair since 1996, its application in collision repair has expanded significantly. Today’s vehicles are equipped with intricate electronics and safety systems that require comprehensive diagnostics. Pre- and post-repair scans reveal trouble codes, even in the absence of malfunction indicator lamps (MILs). Mosley’s shops scan all vehicles with significant damage and conduct at least a post-repair scan for those with minor damage. This practice ensures the proper functioning of all systems after a repair.
Why MILs Aren’t Enough: Unveiling Hidden Issues
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) provide crucial insights into a vehicle’s condition, often revealing issues not indicated by MILs. Modern vehicles, with their complex networks of control modules and sensors, can harbor numerous DTCs triggered by collisions or even the repair process itself. Relying solely on MILs can lead to overlooking critical problems. Matthew McDonnell, owner of Big Sky Collision Center in Montana, found that only a small percentage of vehicles with DTCs also displayed MILs. This underscores the necessity of comprehensive scanning to identify hidden issues and ensure a thorough repair.
Integrating Scanning into the Repair Process
Pre-repair scans identify existing issues, while post-repair scans confirm that all systems are functioning correctly after the repair. This information is crucial for accurate repair planning and quality control. McDonnell observed that even simple procedures like disconnecting a battery could trigger DTCs. Utilizing an affordable, secondary scan tool for quick checks during the repair process can help identify these inadvertently triggered codes, reserving the more advanced scan tool for complex diagnostics.
The Future of Collision Repair: Embracing Technology
Scanning has become an integral part of Big Sky Collision Center’s repair process, leading to significant improvements in quality and a reduction in customer comebacks. As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, embracing technologies like automotive body shop scan tools is essential for delivering safe and reliable repairs. By heeding OEM recommendations and integrating scanning into their workflows, body shops can ensure they are equipped to handle the complexities of modern vehicle repair.
Editor’s note: This article is adapted from Josh Cable’s original piece published in the July 2017 issue of BodyShop Business: http://bit.ly/PrePostScan
